Paws of War: Rescued Tennessee puppy mill dog finds loving home in Northport

As 2025 came to a close, three puppies rescued in October from a puppy mill in Tennessee found new homes with veterans and first responders, thanks to Paws of War, a Long Island-based nonprofit organization which rescues dogs and cats from dangerous and life-threatening situations and pairs them with veterans, active-duty service members and first responders. 

After their rescue, Paws of War successfully shut down the Tennessee puppy mill and the dogs were rushed to their out-of-state foster for medical care and rehabilitation; once they were deemed healthy, they were brought to New York to find their forever homes. Puppies Zoe, Blue and Buzz, as well as adult dogs Rusty and Marley (fka Penny), were officially adopted just days after Christmas at Paws of War headquarters in Nesconset, creating a meaningful and emotional end-of-the-year moment for both the animals and the families.   

Among the adoptions was three-year-old female Marley, adopted by Margaret and Tom Ward of Northport. Margaret is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, a nurse with more than 20 years of experience and has worked closely with EMTs in hospital settings. She has also volunteered with Paws of War for the past two years, making this adoption especially meaningful. 

“Paws of War is such a great organization and they give so very much to the people who serve our country and our community,” Margaret told the Journal. “I cannot thank them enough for the gift of this sweet little saucy dish that they allowed me to bring home!”

The adoptions reflect Paws of War’s mission of rescuing dogs and cats from dangerous and life-threatening conditions and pairing them with veterans and first responders, many of whom face personal, emotional and psychological challenges. For more than 11 years, the organization has seen how rescued animals provide comfort, focus, companionship and support to community members, including those living with PTSD and other service-related struggles. The dogs and puppies were adopted at no cost, with every family receiving more than $300 in supplies, including crates, food, leashes, collars and other necessities. 

Puppies Buzz and Blue joined the family of Christopher and Brittany Prizeman of East Rockaway and David and Penny Tierney of Patchogue, respectively. Christopher has served as an NYPD officer for 15 years and currently works overnight patrol shifts in Ridgewood, Queens. Brittany is a nurse who works from home completing homecare assessments. The couple brought their children to Paws of War believing they were simply visiting puppies, a visit that became a lasting family memory when Puppy Buzz officially became part of their family.

David is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served stateside during the Gulf War and Desert Storm, spending time aboard a Coast Guard Cutter in Virginia, attending diesel mechanics school in Yorktown, serving on an 82-foot patrol boat in Montauk and completing his Coast Guard career in East Moriches. In the 1990s, he worked on the Haitian Exodus crisis in Virginia. David is also a firefighter with the Patchogue Fire Department, where he served as chief for eight years. Penny is also a volunteer firefighter. The Tierneys had been seeking a small companion dog, and Puppy Blue was ideal for them and their home. 

Rusty, a three-year-old female, was adopted by Smithtown resident Linda Mata, a U.S. Navy veteran who, during her service, was responsible for transporting captains and other personnel from ship to ship. Rusty now joins her as a trusted companion and source of daily comfort. 

Zoe was adopted by Mary and Christopher Chiofalo, also of Smithtown. Christopher is a retired NYPD officer who served for 20 years, including being stationed in Astoria, Queens, and serving during the September 11 attacks. Zoe now becomes part of the Chiofalo family as a source of connection, stability, and support.

The October rescue of the Tennessee puppy mill dogs and their placement with veteran and first responder families underscores Paws of War’s continued commitment to saving lives on both sides of the leash. As the new year begins, five dogs now have safe, loving homes, and five families welcome companions who will provide comfort, love and meaningful support. 

For more information or to support Paws of War, visit www.pawsofwar.org.